Finite Element Numerical Simulation of Deformation of Critical Vehicle Components and Damage to Retaining Walls of Emergency Escape Ramps During Truck Impacts

In this study, finite element numerical simulations were used to investigate the deformation of critical vehicle components and the damage characteristics of the retaining wall at the end of the emergency escape ramp after the impact of a Ford 800 truck on the retaining wall of the refuge lane. A finite element model of the reinforced concrete retaining wall of the truck was created using the LS-DYNA (R11.0) program and the correctness of the constructed finite element model was confirmed by tests. The parameters of the reinforced concrete retaining wall were determined using orthogonal tests. Finite element numerical simulations of vehicle impact on the retaining wall were carried out, and the results showed that two stages of deformation occurred at the front and rear sides of the cockpit during the impact process, and the damage of the retaining wall increased with the increase in the vehicle speed, the impact angle, and the bumper stiffness. Punching shear damage occurred in the impact region of the wall and shear damage occurred at the corners of the wall.